ON behalf of the organising committee, we would like to thank all the agencies and individuals who played a great part in making the Blackburn Mela one of the premier family and multi-cultural events in Britain.

It is now firmly established as one of the top three such events in the country.

Our thanks go to Blackburn Council, its departmental support services and officers, the police, who are such a reassuring and friendly presence, the ambulance service, Lancashire Evening Telegraph, BBC TV and Radio Lancashire, the caterers, cleaners, technicians, security staff and the many volunteers.

An event such as this takes an extremely long time to plan and deliver and it is because of the trust and tremendous working relationships all the agencies have with each other that make such a mentally and physically draining eight to 10 months of preparation so enjoyable and worthwhile.

This is put into perspective when at the event we see thousands of smiling families, children holding their parents' hands and people from all walks of life smiling and meeting old or new friends.

Such events are here to unify and create harmony through awareness. We live in a multicultural society, which can become enriched by sharing these differences. Ignorance and allowing a minority with extreme views to create fear or guilt gives the very fuel to extreme political parties or factions to cause tensions and hatred.

We owe it to our younger generation, to Blackburn and other parts of the world not to let such fear and ignorance become a platform for such evil to proliferate.

On a final plea, we urge as many people as possible to support the charity 'War Child.' As many will have read, it is a worldwide charity set up 10 years ago in response to the plight of children caught up in the war of the former Yugoslavia.

It has since expanded its operations globally, and helps in places such as Palestine, Bosnia, Kashmir, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Sudan. The children they are helping now will shape the new century. Donations can be made to War Child, PO Box 20231, London, NW5 3WP. Registered Charity Number 1071659.

NAUSHAD SURVE -- Chairman, Blackburn with Darwen Mela Committee.